PIP claimants with these ‘5 situations face being lower’, DWP assessor says
EXCLUSIVE: Changes to Personal Independence Payments (PIP) were announced earlier this month and caused anxiety, confusion and anger among claimants dependent on the disability benefit
The tightening of Personal Independence Payments (PIP) rules is likely to exclude people with five conditions, a former assessor of the benefit has told the Daily Star. The Government is set to confirm changes to the daily living element of PIP tomorrow (March 26) in the Spring Statement.
To qualify for the daily living component – worth £72.65 or £108.55 per week – you need to undergo an assessment to determine how safely, quickly and efficiently you can perform 10 daily activities. Currently, claimants can qualify with a score of one or two across a number of categories.
Under the proposed changes taking effect in November 2026, applicants will need to score at least four points in one activity and at least eight overall to attain the lower payment – while 12 is needed for the upper band.
Former PIP assessor James Merrell told the Daily Star people with depression ADHD, anxiety, skeletal muscular problems and stomach ailments like Irritable Bowel Syndrome are likely to lose the benefit.
The disability expert, who supports PIP claimants, said: “People with some elements of mental health and people with chronic conditions that just aren’t affecting them on the majority of days (are likely to lose out), which is going to be thousands of people.
“Mental health is very wide but in my experience I would say depression and anxiety will be two of them and people with ADHD will also be affected. People with muscular skeletal problems and digestive issues, such as irritable bowl syndrome, are probably going to be effected as well.
“In terms of the four points, it is going to effect thousands of people because their inability to function isn’t as serious.”
For those concerned about the changes, James advised: “The best thing for people to do is visit their local Citizens Advice and get the support that is out there. The PIP application doesn’t come with a ‘this is how you fill it in sort of guide’.
“You are expected to just fill it in and a lot of people do it naively.” Mr Merrell runs CWS Limited which helps claimants navigate PIP application processes.
The “biggest shake up” to the welfare system announced by the government earlier this month aims to cut the £5billion from the annual social protection bill. The details of the changes will be confirmed in the Spring Statement tomorrow (March 26).
Are you anxious about losing your benefits? Email: dan.grennan@reachplc.com
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